Hopes for The Smiths union fade as Rourke lands job

Former The Smiths rocker Andy Rourke has dashed fans' hopes the band is planning a comeback - he has landed a new job as a music mogul.

The bassist has been named director of A&R (artists and repertoire) for US music marketing firm The Musicbox, where he will be responsible for spotting and nurturing new talent.

Rourke said: "I look forward to working with the team in finding and nurturing some talented newbies, taking them up level by level and helping them achieve their full potential as artists and professionals."

The Smiths split in 1987 because of a rift between Rourke's bandmates Morrissey and Johnny Marr.

In recent years, Rourke has been embroiled in bitter court battles with his former bandmates regarding royalty payments.